Dear Supporters of Skagit Land Trust,

This past year you helped us undertake many significant projects, including a partnership with Skagit County to expand Big Rock County Park. This beloved landmark is also known by the Upper Skagit People as Yudwasta, meaning “of the heart.”

I am excited to share that the project to expand Big Rock County Park was just ranked the #1 grant proposal out of 64 applicants in Washington State’s local parks category of the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). Although the $1,000,000 in grant funds to Skagit County Parks Department will not be released until the 2025 legislative session closes, the #1 ranking virtually assures the project will be funded. Since this is an almost $2 million project, the grant is critical to its success. Donations from 350 Skagit Land Trust families, businesses, and foundations, plus funds from Skagit County, will make up the remainder of support needed.

Skagit County Parks Director Brian Adams shared a key aspect that helped this project rank so well – partnership and community support: “If Skagit Land Trust and its members hadn’t stepped in to purchase the land and hold it for us, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to seek grants and raise the necessary funds. In all the years we have partnered with Skagit Land Trust in preserving lands for the public, this is perhaps our greatest success story. “
“We never gave up on this long-held vision of expanding Big Rock and we worked in unison every step of the way. As a result, this culturally and biologically rich landscape will provide a refuge for wildlife and recreational opportunities in perpetuity,” added Brian.

Scott Schuyler of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe also assisted in the grant application. During the presentation process, Scott shared with the state panel how culturally and historically important Yudwasta is to the Upper Skagit People. The future park will highlight historical and cultural information, including the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe’s continued connection with the land.

Scott Schulyer and his daughter, up at Big Rock

Many local businesses and organizations supported the project, including SeaMar Community Health Centers. Their letter of support advocated for the health benefits of nearby nature access for the growing, diverse, and mixed-income neighborhoods of east Mount Vernon. They affirmed that such access for their clients will increase significantly with the expansion of Big Rock Park.

This project attests to the power of collaboration and partnership. You, as a Skagit Land Trust supporter, are playing a huge role in the success of expanding and protecting Big Rock, forever. Thank you!

Molly Doran, Executive Director